MIBANCO finds niche serving Hispanic community

Friday, November 11, 2011, Vol. 35, No. 45
By Judy Sarles

The growth at MIBANCO, a new bank in Nashville mainly serving the Hispanic population, has been in line with projections, its leadership says.

A division of the Bank of Camden, the bank currently serves 350 registered customers. Many of its customers formerly did their banking at larger financial institutions, but they turned to MIBANCO for services that they felt could better fulfill their needs.

“We have welcomed new customers, formerly banking at larger banks, not only because of other banks’ increasing fees and debit card practices, but also because these customers value customized products and services, a fully bilingual staff, extended operating hours, and outstanding customer service,” says Santiago Cuccarese, bank vice president.

MIBANCO’s first branch opened in Knoxville more than two years ago and serves more than 3,000 customers. The Nashville branch opened its doors Aug. 1 at 4536 Nolensville Pike.

Bank of Camden, a state-chartered community bank, opened in 1931. It has nearly $200 million in assets.

Cuccarese opted not to provide early figures on the Nashville branch’s assets and deposits, explaining instead that because of MIBANCO’s unique focus and wide array of non-depository products, its success cannot accurately be judged by assets and deposits.

Since MIBANCO offers all the standard bank products such as checking, savings, and loans, as well as tailored transactional services, it welcomes customers from both the Hispanic and local communities.

Adriana Nunez, who was previously employed at Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, is manager of the branch, which has four customer representatives assisted by MIBANCO Knoxville’s staff and supported by the Bank of Camden and the Bank of Bruceton.

MIBANCO is already making its mark in Nashville by becoming a community center and actively partnering with local nonprofit organizations to promote education, foreign consulates’ visits and cultural awareness events.

There are no immediate plans to open more MIBANCO branches, but the bank has a goal of extending its network with offices in urban areas within Tennessee.